Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Crumble

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Crumble
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making Cottage Cheese Brownies with Almond Crumble because they transform a classic dessert into a healthier, protein-rich treat. The creamy cottage cheese gives a delightful texture to the brownies, while the crunchy almond crumble adds a nutty flavor that truly elevates each bite. I enjoy serving these at gatherings; they disappear quickly. Plus, knowing that I can indulge while still keeping my nutrition on track makes it all the more satisfying. This recipe balances decadence with wholesome ingredients beautifully!

Created by

Brianna Tate

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:49:16.099Z

Making these brownies was an experiment that turned into a family favorite. I wanted to create something unique that incorporated cottage cheese, and I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome! The brownies came out moist and decadent, while the almond crumble provided just the right amount of crunch. I love that these brownies are guilt-free!

One tip I discovered along the way is to blend the cottage cheese until smooth before adding it to the batter. This technique ensures an even creaminess throughout the brownies, avoiding any curdled texture. Experimenting with flavors led me to add a splash of vanilla, which perfectly complements the chocolate.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A unique twist on brownies with a healthy ingredient mix
Rich chocolate flavor enhanced by creamy cottage cheese
Crunchy almond crumble adds a delightful texture

      

Understanding the Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a key ingredient that provides moisture and creaminess to these brownies. Its high protein content not only boosts the nutritional profile but also contributes to a tender crumb. Unlike traditional butter or oil, the cottage cheese creates a unique texture that's both dense and luscious. For a smoother consistency, you can blend the cottage cheese in a food processor before mixing it with the other ingredients, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.

In addition to moisture, cottage cheese offers a subtle tang that balances the sweetness from the sugar. This flavor complexity enhances the chocolate taste, making each bite more intriguing. If you’re looking to switch things up, consider using ricotta cheese for a slightly different texture or flavor profile—just keep in mind it might alter the overall creaminess.

The Art of Creating a Perfect Almond Crumble

The almond crumble adds a crucial textural contrast to the rich, fudgy brownies. To achieve the perfect crumble, make sure your butter is melted but not excessively hot, as this can cause the dry ingredients to clump rather than creating a nice texture. Mix until you see small, pea-sized crumbs that are ready to crisp up in the oven.

Another tip is to toast the sliced almonds beforehand for an extra layer of flavor. This step deepens the nutty essence and adds a wonderful crunch when baked. Just look for a light golden color—about 5-7 minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven should do the trick. Keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn, and allow them to cool before mixing with the other crumble ingredients.

Serving and Storing Your Brownies

These brownies can be served warm or cooled, depending on your preference. If you enjoy a gooier texture, serve them just after they've cooled for about 10 minutes. For a firmer brownie, allow them to cool completely in the pan. They slice beautifully into squares and can even be topped with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation at gatherings.

As for storage, keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Slice the cooled brownies, wrap each piece individually in plastic, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for about three months and can be enjoyed straight from the freezer or warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Ingredients

Gather all of your ingredients before you start to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Almond Crumble

1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Make sure to preheat your oven while preparing the baking dish for best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Mix the Brownie Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, blend together the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, flour, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until smooth.

Prepare the Crumble

In a separate bowl, combine the sliced almonds, brown sugar, melted butter, flour, and cinnamon. Mix until crumbly.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the greased pan and sprinkle the almond crumble evenly on top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your brownies as a delightful dessert or snack!

Pro Tips

To store leftovers, keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure they are well-wrapped before freezing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for lower sugar options, you can substitute the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Just keep in mind that these alternatives often require different ratios, so check the packaging for guidance. You might also reduce the amount of cocoa powder slightly to accommodate for the sweetness of the substitute.

For a gluten-free version, swapping all-purpose flour with almond flour can yield a delicious result, bringing an additional nuttiness that pairs well with the crumble. Just make sure to increase the baking powder slightly to maintain the texture you want.

Making Ahead and Variations

These brownies can easily be made ahead of time, making them perfect for meal prep or special occasions. You can mix the brownie batter and the almond crumble the night before and keep them separately in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when you're ready. This convenience ensures that you have a fresh dessert ready to impress at a moment's notice.

Feel free to experiment with mix-ins too! Chopped dark chocolate or a handful of chocolate chips can be stirred in for an even richer flavor. For a tropical twist, try adding coconut flakes to the almond crumble. Just watch out for added moisture so that it doesn’t change the consistency of your brownies.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or another creamy cheese if you prefer, but it may alter the texture slightly.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.

→ How can I make them sweeter?

If you like your brownies sweeter, feel free to increase the sugar amount by a few tablespoons.

→ Can I add chocolate chips?

Definitely! Adding chocolate chips to the batter will increase the chocolatey goodness.